What does the take-back obligation entail?

With the introduction of the take-backobligation, the regional authorities place the organisation and financing of the collection and processing of discarded mattresses on the manufacturers and importers.

This means, among other things, that they are responsible for reimbursing the recycling centres for the storage, transport and processing of mattresses à in proportion to their market share.

In addition, they must comply with the legally established collection and recycling percentages.

In addition, the legislator obliges manufacturers and importers to take preventive measures and they must set up awareness campaigns for the benefit of mattress users.

Organise everything yourself? Or join Valumat?

As a manufacturer or importer, you can individually meet your legal obligations. However, that is a complex, costly and time-consuming matter.

You can also join Valumat which, as a collective system, carries out the modalities of the take-back obligation of its participants. This way you comply with your legal obligations. In exchange, you annually pay Valumat a contribution.